Former Jim Wells Commissioner Oswald 'Wally' Alanis dies at 64

MATHIS - Longtime former Jim Wells County Commissioner Oswald "Wally" Alanis, known for his dedication to county road and bridge maintenance, died Thursday. He was 64.

Alanis, of Orange Grove, was living at a nursing and rehabilitative center in Mathis where he was being cared for after a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in August. The injury occurred about the time Texas Rangers opened an investigation after a girl accused Alanis of sexual assault.

Friends and co-workers remember Alanis as a people person who cared about public service and worked to make lives better. He served 16 years during four terms as a Jim Wells County Commissioner in Precinct 3, beginning in 1996.

"We're saddened by his loss here in Jim Wells County," said County Judge L. Arnoldo Saenz, who took office a year before Alanis. "He was very dedicated and always there trying to help not only his constituents in Precinct 3, but the whole county."

Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Sunday at Rosas Funeral Home Chapel in Alice. The funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Casa Blanca Cemetery in Orange Grove.